The Last Day And The First
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Isaiah 66:12-24 and Psalm 150 (NIV)
(Philip Oh from Pastor & Parish Relationship Committee (PPRC))
READ:
Isaiah 66 and Psalm 150 are the last chapters of two very long books. Psalm has 150 chapters and more than 41000 verses! Although Psalm is the longest book in the Bible, Psalm 150 has only 6 verses!
Psalm 150 starts and ends with “Praise the Lord!” The last verse, v6 reads: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, Praise the Lord!”
OBSERVE:
What caught my attention in reading this very short psalm is the crescendo of praise including praise in “his sanctuary” and “his mighty heavens” (v1); praise Him for His mighty acts of power; for “his surpassing greatness” (v2); praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, harp and lyre (v3); praise Him with tambourine and dancing, strings, flute and cymbals (v4 & v5)
Everything is focused on praising our Lord!
APPLY:
On the last day of the year, it is appropriate for me to close the year by reading and reflecting on His living WORD! Indeed, I must try to do this every day – from the 1st day of the year to the last.
Although I write this reflection at the end of November, I am already looking forward to the ritual and the joy of attending the Watchnight Service in the Sanctuary. It is such a privilege to walk into our beautiful Sanctuary with hearts of thanksgiving, to sing praises to our God and King. As before, I will be so happy to see, greet and bless my many brothers and sisters in Christ.
It is apt to close the year by being in Church praising God in worship, in thanksgiving and with reflection and prayer. The bonus is that we will also get to start the new year at this same service!
The instruments we use in today’s worship might be different from yesteryear, nonetheless it will be heartfelt praise for His mighty acts of power and His surpassing greatness (v2)
DO:
I will read and engage with the living Word everyday
I will close and open the year by attending the Watchnight Service in the Sanctuary if I am not travelling!
I will try to start and end the day with “Praise the Lord!”
PRAY:
Dear Lord, thank You for the year that is passing. I am grateful for all the blessings received and the trials that I have gone through. Use all these experiences to grow my faith and to draw me closer to You. I look forward to the new year, asking for Your continued guidance, that I may discern and embrace the plans You have for me. Help me Lord to be a blessing to others and to finish well. In Jesus Name I ask, Amen.
